Connecticut advocates demand full funding for right to counsel program amid housing crisis

The Appropriations Committee of Connecticut held a public hearing on February 11, 2025, focusing on critical funding issues related to transportation, judicial, and corrections services. Key discussions highlighted the urgent need for increased financial support for reentry services and legal aid programs, particularly in light of the state's ongoing housing crisis.

Fernando, a representative from a community nonprofit, emphasized the potential risks to public safety and community stability if funding cuts were implemented. He warned that reduced financial support could lead to longer prison stays and inadequate reentry assistance for individuals transitioning back into society. Fernando urged the committee to increase funding for community nonprofits by $264 million to prevent these adverse outcomes.

Jessica Stamp, a teacher and tenant union steward from New Haven, shared her personal experience with eviction threats and the importance of the right to counsel program. She argued that legal aid is essential for low-income residents facing eviction, as it helps level the playing field against landlords who can afford legal representation. Stamp noted that the program has saved the state approximately $36.6 million in social services costs, which could easily cover the requested $6.5 million for the current fiscal year.

Sarah Giovaniello, vice president of the Blake Street Tenants Union, echoed Stamp's call for full funding of the right to counsel program. She recounted her community's struggle against retaliatory evictions and highlighted the program's role in enabling tenants to negotiate fair agreements with landlords. Giovaniello pointed out that the right to counsel not only protects individuals from homelessness but also fosters community stability.

The testimonies from both Stamp and Giovaniello underscored the pressing need for legal support in the face of rising rents and housing instability in Connecticut. The committee's decisions on funding allocations will significantly impact the state's ability to provide essential services to its most vulnerable residents. The hearing concluded with a clear message: without adequate funding, the state's reentry and legal support systems may fail, exacerbating the challenges faced by many Connecticut families.